Child-directed speech and its role in language acquisition

Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Other, grade: 1,6, University of Cologne, language: English, abstract: In many societies, adults and older children use a non-standard form of speech when talking to toddlers and infants. This form of speech is called Child-directed speech (CDS). It is also referred to as infant-directed speech (IDS) or motherese. CDS can be defined as a clear and simplified way of communicating to younger children used by adults and older children. In CDS, many of the same words used in adult conversation are used.

However, CDS is often more melodic and emotionally charged. It is thought to appeal more to babies and that they pay more attention when they are spoken to in this manner. It helps the baby to grasp the emotional intentions of speech. Many researchers believe that CDS is a species-specific behaviour that evolved to enhance communication between human babies and their caregivers because of its features such as melody and wide use.